UCL ENTERPRISE

Spotlight

A new UCL spin-out company – Autolus – is being launched today to develop and commercialise a new generation of engineered T-cell therapies for haematological and solid tumours, with the backing of £30m in investment from healthcare investment company Syncona.

Professor Peng Tee
Khaw, Professor of Glaucoma and Ocular Healing and Consultant Ophthalmic
Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, has been
knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for 2013.

Professor Khaw’s
long track record of innovative research includes developing new therapies,
particularly for scarring. He has developed surgical techniques (such as the
Moorfields Safer Surgery System) which have markedly improved the safety and
outcome of glaucoma surgery, and developed new anti-scarring regimens based on
laboratory research, leading to large international clinical trials and use.
These treatments and techniques have been successfully adapted for use in many
parts of the developing world at minimal cost. He and his team have been
awarded over 20 national and international prizes.

Professor Khaw is
Director of the National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research
Centre in Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of
Ophthalmology, London. He is also Director of Research & Development at
Moorfields Eye Hospital, which is the largest Eye Hospital in Europe/USA, and
Director of the Eyes and Vision Theme of UCL Partners, one of the UK Academic
Health Science Centres of excellence. Until May 2013, he was President of the
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the world’s
largest eye and vision research organisation, the first UK-based President in
its 85-year history.

As part of the
translational activities at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and the Biomedical
Research Centre in Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital, Professor Khaw is
currently working with UCL Business (UCLB) to develop two new ophthalmic
technologies for glaucoma:

‘slow-release’ micro-tablet which allows prolonged
dosage of anti-scarring agent to the eye, thus preventing fibrosis and
blindness post-surgery. This micro-tablet contains matrix metalloprotease
inhibitors which inhibit scarring and increase the success of glaucoma
filtration surgery. The development of
this technology is currently funded by and MRC DPFS award.

a solid formulation methodology for antibodies and
protein therapeutics delivery into the eye. This tablet provides prolonged
release of the antibody therapeutics and reduces the need for repeat injections

Professor Philip
Luthert, Director of the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, said: “It is an
extraordinary experience to see an individual clinician–scientist act as a
beacon for innovation and outstanding clinical care within a specialty.
Professor Peng Khaw’s dedication to improving treatment for patients has had a
marked impact on the world of ophthalmology. Integrating fundamental science
with improved surgical technique, Professor Khaw has transformed the management
of patients worldwide. His leadership at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and
Moorfields Eye Hospital has inspired a generation of investigators. The lives
of countless patients have been enhanced by his humanity, care and
understanding.

Professor Khaw
said: “I am very humbled to have been awarded this incredible honour. I feel I
have received this on behalf of all my colleagues here at Moorfields, UCL and
around the world with whom I have been privileged to work, and who transform
the lives of so many people every day.”